Congenital causes of hearing loss

There are many possible causes of hearing loss in children.  Some causes are congenital (present at birth), while others are acquired (cause of hearing loss happens sometime after birth).  Acquired hearing loss is also known as Late Onset Hearing Loss (LOHL).

  • Genetics/Inherited
  • Malformation of the outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear
  • Prenatal infection, illnesses
  • Toxemia during pregnancy
  • Maternal diabetes
  • Prematurity